Wellington Convention Reports.

White Ribbon, Volume 1, Issue 5, 1 November 1895, Page 7

Wellington Convention Reports.

HR UN NEKTON. f This I nion was organised in November, 1803, with a momworship of eighteon. and is now in good working order. Two special and ten ordinary meetings have been held, all of which have been fairly attended. Through several removals from the district the memtiership has diminished somewhat, and now stands at fourteen. The first work undertaken by the union was to write to the Vestry of the local Anglican ( hureh—the only ( hurch hen* which uses fermented wine with the hope of inducing that Church to fall into line with the other i hurches of the district and use unfermented wine, hut we are in the unsatisfactory position of not having received the courtesy of a reply. Wo have, besides, done the ordinary l nion work of canvassing the district with Temperance petitions, questioning political candidates regarding the repeal of clauses in the Liquors Salt* Control Act of 18t>3, and trying to influence voters to elect men pledged to reduce the number of licensed houses. We gave practical assistance in the last election by providing a vehicle for the convenience of busy mothers, who would otherwise have been unable to spare time for voting. We have also been able to give some time to making garments for motherless children. On the whole, considering that

the Union is in its infancy, we have every reason to be thankful that so much useful work has been accomplished during the year.

GREY MOUTH. Greymouth workers in connection with the W.C.T.U. have long been under a cloud. When a branch was formed here some few years ago, the necessary affiliation and capitation fees were not sent to head-quarters, consequently the work in Greymouth was not recognised outside, and was thus purely local. A copy of the minutes of the W.C.T.U. falling into the hands of the vioe-President, revealed the fact that we were unknown, as no report of our work appeared on the pages of the minutes. Stops were* at once taken to have matters put right, and now- our standing is secure. Mrs Gaskin is our President. Mrs Spence, vice-president, and Mrs Miller (until lately Secretary of the North Mollttume W.C.T.U.), our Secretary. The membership nuinlH*rs 25. The chief branches of work undertaken have been hospital visitation, and the distribution of temperance and religious periodicals to the sailors on all boats that visit our port. These are taken every Sunday morning letween the hours of ten and eleven, and are gratefully accepted by the men. One of the proprietors of the Greymouth .4r<jus has been interviewed with regard to inserting Temperance items in his paper. Consent was readily given. On Feb. 22 a very interesting meeting of asocial character was held by our members, w hen four spoke, the outcome being that nine new members were enrolled, and fresh branches of work are to Ik* taken up. So little outside help is available on the West Coast, that the greater need is felt for the spirit of earnestness and self-sacrifice amongst our members.

PORT CHALMERS. So little interest had been taken in our Union that it was proposed that the Union bo disbanded. However, those who had the work at heart thought it a pity to do so, therefore it was agreed to hold together as long as possible hoping that brighter days were in store. Ten business meetings have l>een held during the year, also two large public meetings the first of which was eloquently and feelingly a 1 dressed by Mesdames Don and Trainor, Circulars were distributed all over the tow n prior to the Licensing election taking place, the Union paying the expenses incurred in connection with this election. We also wrote our member, Mr Miller, and the members of the various denominations regarding tho resolutions sent by the Christchurch Union impressing upon them their importance. Mr Miller replied, promising to give his fullest support to the resolutions when the Bill was brought before the House. Revs Adamson and Fisher also intimated that they would forward petitions from their churches urging the importance of tho matter. Mrs Kirkland has twice visited us. The first timo she held an afternoon meeting and in the evening she and Mrs Flintonaddressed a gospel meeting for women, Mr Falconer helping in his usual kindly way. The second time she conducted an afternoon prayer and exhortation meeting. Another women’s tea-meeting was held in November, in the Sailors’ Rest, which was addressed by Revs Borrie and Salter, also Messrs A. Thomson, A. R. Falconer, and C. Talroner. Several friends came from Dunedin and sang for us. Our members number 2b.